Random Nonsense #11: Wasting Some Time

     So this thing I'm reading says that for every corrupt ENTJ-controlled regime, there lies an opposing INFJ-led underground rebellion. And ironically enough, the right-hand man of the INFJ is an INTJ and the right-hand man of the ENTJ is an ENFJ.

     For the:
INTJ: The ENTJ actually sounds more logical and rational, but the INFJ is less boring to work with. Besides the ENTJ, the corrupt regime doesn't contain any other intellectually competent types, as far as the INTJ is concerned, and the ENTJ is way too self-absorbed to converse with the INTJ. The INFJ, despite his tendency to become emotional at times, is surprisingly, an intellectually superior being capable of keeping up with and even surprising the INTJ. What's the harm of participating the the INFJ's cute little rebellion (the INTJ happens to think that the INFJ is just an angry little kitty)?

ENFJ: The ENFJ is actually quite discontent with the way ENTJ is doing things, but unlike the INFJ, he doesn't have half as much a rebellious or revolutionary streak in him. He is far more worried and concerned about destroying what little peace there remains to be and unlike the INFJ, he doesn't support the "all or nothing" notion the introvert is going for. The ENFJ would very much rather effect change from within, serving as the right-hand man of ENTJ, trying to influence the regime's politics as much as they can. Whether it's effective is another story. Most ENFJs, despite their charisma, cannot compete with the more powerful and even more charismatic ENTJ and just become another pawn in the ENTJ's game.

ENTJ: He actually doesn't hate INFJ half as much as you think. He even admires the INFJ's daringness and capability of challenging him. The ENTJ would be lying if he claims to not notice the ENFJ's presence and the ENFJ's silent little rebellion, which brings out the INFJ's daring nature even more. "Now, if only we were on the same side" - the ENTJ would think, because INFJ would make an amazing partner to work with. Sadly, INFJs and ENTJs are always standing on the opposite sides of the fence. Also, ENTJs have an eye out for the INTJ...why is he there when he agrees with me? Is the INFJ actually superior? The threatened ENTJ goes into a more aggressive state.

INFJ: The ENTJ is a lost cause. The INFJ would rather effect change with as little chaos as possible, but the ENTJ is a stubborn and self-absorbed soul, the embodiment of whatever is wrong with the entire regime. The only way to correct the distortions of what could be a beautiful world is to overthrow the ENTJ and subject him to INFJ-style brainwashing. The INFJ admires the ENTJ as much as the ENTJ admires him, but because they lead opposing forces, they can never converge. The INFJ is also more than aware of the INTJ's neutral stance in the entire conflict, but appreciates his intellectual company, that provides the INFJ with insightful and fresh views on the entire event. Upon the first face-to-face meeting with the ENTJ, the INFJ probably also noticed the bastard's right-hand man, who seems to be a misfit. The ENFJ certainly caught the INFJ's eye, but upon further conversation, is dismissed as a coward with potential but unwilling to utilise it.

     Now, for an insightful study on INFJ and their relationships with types that only differ by a single letter:

1. E-I Differences (ENFJ and INFJ)
ENFJ: Fe-Ni-Se-Ti
INFJ: Ni-Fe-Ti-Se

(a) Ni-Fe vs Fe-Ni
     For amateurs of the MBTI system, to have 2 functions reversed is no big deal, but as someone who has read up extensively about how functions work, I will tell you bluntly that, it makes a huge difference. The important thing to note is that auxiliary functions and dominant functions play vastly different roles in a person's personality.
(i) The Dominant Function
     A person's dominant function develops so early and so naturally in their lifetime that most believe that they are "born with it". For the ENFJs, they are born with their Fe (like the ESFJ), or their ability to care about others and be concerned about those around them. For the INFJs, they are born with their Ni (like the INTJ), or their ability to foresee and predict the future based on little or no physical evidence.
(ii) The Auxiliary Function
     The auxiliary function is developed later in childhood in an attempt for a person to balance out their dominant function. An extroverted dominant function is paired with an introverted one and vice versa. This ensures that the individual will have an equally enriching outer life as compared to their already rich inner life (introverts) or vice versa (extroverts). For the ENFJ, they develop Ni in order to gain better insight into people's actions without direct prying, allowing their Fe to become more effective, i.e. care for other's better. For the INFJ, their Fe develops to feed information into their Ni, i.e. through caring for others, they understand human nature better.

     It is very different, as you can see. INFJs are actually much colder and more detached, as introverts should be. INFJs care in order to understand, ENFJs understand in order to care. But when an INFJ and ENFJ are placed together, it may seem like they are the same person if their auxiliary functions are well-developed. The INFJ's well-developed Fe may overtake their objective need to understand human's, making them compassionate beings. The ENFJ's well-developed Ni may take the facade of the INFJ's almost psychic-like ability to predict the future.

     What differentiates them, therefore, is their base state, i.e. their personality when their auxiliary functions are ignored. It is actually quite observable, since ENFJs are more prone to directly asking a person how they feel, while INFJs are more prone to silent observation. By dominant functions, ENFJ's Fe leads them to answer the question "How are you? How can I help?" while INFJ's Ni leads them to answering "What will it become? What role do I play?"

(b) Ti-Se vs Se-Ti
     Once again, a reversal of functions makes two people very very different.
(i) The Tertiary Function
     Where the auxiliary function aims to balance out the dominant function, the tertiary function enriches and deepens the dominant function. Thus, an introverted dominant function has an introverted tertiary function and vice versa. The tertiary function's role in a person's personality is to give them more depth to their dominant function. The INFJ's Ti function is a function that enables silent contemplation with rational and logical processes, enriching the Ni function, which is more "gut feeling". INFJs are intellectual precisely because they are the type to silently and carefully contemplate their Ni with their Ti, forming theories and beliefs that seem intellectually superior to that of other types (except INTJ [explained later]). The ENFJ's Se function is a function that grounds the ENFJ to their external surroundings. The INFJ detaches from the external world and that is one primary flaw of the INFJ. ENFJs do not have this problem because they are always more consciously aware of those around them as opposed to being aware of themselves. Se is a function that enriches human interaction on the surface level, allowing the ENFJ to be more social than the INFJ can ever be.

(ii) The Inferior Function
     The inferior function is also a stress function, i.e. the function you turn to when stressed. For the INFJ, their inferior function is Se, thus leading to a habit of the INFJ to turn towards alcohol, sex and any other physical stimulation when stressed. It is actually quite easy to understand why. With the combination of Ni and Ti, with Fe serving as the only mechanism to balance out both, INFJs are not self-absorbed, per se, but just very detached from the external world. Fe feels emotions and INFJs thus see the external world as a bunch of emotions that can wear down and push them further into social withdrawal. Se fishes them out of it, it distracts them from their messy inner world. When INFJs drink, smoke, have casual sex or inflict self-harm, the goal is to create a physical stimulation great enough to silence everything in their minds. ENFJs conversely, turn to Ti, which in an unhealthy state, makes the ENFJ extremely rigid in their views. They become closed off from outside opinion, believing that their views are the best. This is in contrast with the INFJ because ENFJs are feeling too pressured by the outer world. Many ENFJs never reach this state, probably because the ENFJ's flaw lies in being too unaware of themselves.

     It makes them very different. INFJs, when stressed, become very social and indulge in very unhealthy activities, which they will eventually regret and then drive them even further into stress. It is easy for the INFJ to spiral out of hand and what the INFJs need to do is to get in touch with their Ni and be reminded of their overarching goals in life. ENFJs, when stressed, become so rigid and so uncompromising that it probably takes a knock to their heads to remind them that "Hey, you are hurting others. You'll regret it". INFJ's corresponding knock in the head goes something like "Hey, this isn't you. You'll regret it".

(c) Similarities
     Hey, but INFJs and ENFJs are the most compatible type when it comes to growth because each will teach the other how to develop their auxiliary functions. ENFJs teach INFJs how to communicate their Ni; INFJs teach ENFJs how to add more depth to their thoughts and beliefs. E-I pairing are meant to be very compatible towards emotional growth and maturity.

2. N-S Differences (INFJ and ISFJ)
INFJ: Ni-Fe-Ti-Se
ISFJ: Si-Fe-Ti-Ne

(a) Dominant Functions and Perception of the World
     To have opposing dominant functions makes 2 people polar opposites. Si is a function that trusts evidence from the past - what is proven to be good, to be right. Ni is a function that trusts flashes of intuition, with no evidence whatsoever. They are functions that directly oppose each other and thus, ISFJs and INFJs, while able to be best of friends due to matching auxiliary and tertiary functions, are usually unable to comprehend each other's world views. Ni gives the INFJ a lofty outlook towards life - ambitious, grand, unrealistic, humanitarian. Si makes the ISFJ cautious, pragmatic, family-oriented and realistic.

(b) Inferior Functions 
     While the inferior functions are opposing, the unique correlation between INFJ and ISFJ makes them very good friends in dark times. Se is allowed to transition back to Ni in the INFJ through the careful reigning back by Si. Si helps the INFJ to draw back from the extroversion of their Se to have time to reconsider and re-evaluate in private. Similarly, Ne, a function that when unhealthy, causing flitting and unstable mental states, is balanced by the Ni. Ne is a function that generates many possibility from one thing, Ni is a function that takes many things and forms an intricate pattern or theory. Ni thus holds back Ne and allowed ISFJ to take a step back and regain their hold onto what is trusted and tried - Si.

(c) Similarities
     While Si-Ti doesn't work half as well as Ni-Ti, because Si-Ti allows processing of what is tried and tested instead of what is new and unknown, it still gives the INFJ and ISFJ a compatibility that is quite rare. However, this may be one-sided (I know from experience) because while the INFJ will be interested in listening to the ISFJ talk about the tried and tested, the ISFJ will most likely dismiss the INFJ's Ni-Ti as ridiculous and unrealistic nonsense. It is far too theoretical and Si is not meant for theory-formation. Fe ensures that the friendship is maintained because both will consciously (auxiliary) ensure that harmony is kept between them.

3. T-F Differences (INTJ and INFJ)
INTJ: Ni-Te-Fi-Se
INFJ: Ni-Fe-Ti-Se

(a) Different Paths
     INTJs and INFJs are an exception to the T-F rule in general, because of the rarity of Ni-dom and the connection it brings. Both are born with the ability of foresight and as children, are the quiet kind of kid who rarely says anything but when they do, they blow adults' minds. However, when the time came to develop their auxiliary functions, the two are like the same people who chose different paths. INTJs and INFJs are basically carved from the same stone, but moulded to different purposes.

     Te is theoretical, rational and concerned with how the world works in a more scientific manner. Why do people cry to the INTJ is a question of what combination of chemicals makes this happen? Fe is concerned with human relations and interactions, caring for people emotionally. Why do people cry to the INFJ is instead a question of what is wrong that causes people to be upset? INTJs and INFJs chose different areas to use their Ni - INTJs want to understand the physical world around them, INFJs want to understand the people and their relationships.

     Nonetheless, when INTJ and INFJ come together, there is an immediately attraction, not in the romantic sense or anything, but the feeling of an Ni-dom intuitively sensing the presence of another Ni-dom. INFJs are perhaps more prone to it, since Fe makes them more conscious of humans, but there is an Ni-dom connection that is a rarity in the MBTI sphere. It is not INFJs that are rare, it is Ni-dom that is. That is why INFJs and INTJs are the two rarest MBTI types.

(b) Intellectual Superiority
     INFJs, as much as they would deny it, are as caught up in intellectual pursuit as the INTJs are. INTJs are less subtle about this - they look down on those who are deemed to be not as competent. INFJs will never openly admit it, but they refrain from holding certain conversations with people they deem to be less competent. It's not that they think you are stupid, it's just that they understand that not everyone has the time to have such depth to their thoughts and beliefs, and thus, conversations with such people tend to be quite dull.

     In fact, as an INFJ myself, I can say that no other type besides the INTJ has given me as much intellectual stimulation. INFJs and INTJs alike have very insightful and fresh views about the world that initially seem bizarre, but are actually very well thought out. This is attributed to the similarity between Ni-Ti and Ni-Te. In fact, Ni-dom with a tertiary Ti acts almost the same way as Ni-Te dom-aux. It's just that for the INTJ, they do not have an Fe in the way that makes INFJs so much more emotional and warm. In fact, an INFJ with severely underdeveloped Fe cannot be differentiated from an INTJ.

    So, if you aren't an INTJ/INFJ and you try to say something you think is creative and insightful to an INTJ/INFJ, don't be surprised if they raise an eyebrow and say "You've just thought of that now? I was thinking about that the moment I was born!" Let's face it. INTJ's motto in life is that "Boredom is a disease of the intellectual mind unable to find an equal." It's INFJ's motto as well, but you know, they don't want to hurt your feelings?

4. J-P Differences (INFJ and INFP)
INFJ: Ni-Fe-Ti-Se
INFP: Fi-Ne-Si-Te
     Honestly, there is not a single function that we share. J-P is the most misguiding difference in MBTI. It's just one letter, yes, but it makes it such that not a single function is shared. I think this article says it better than I ever could...or could ever bother to:

(i) Different Driver Processes
     The Driver process can also be called the "dominant cognitive function." It's the mind's first point of contact and the primary lens through which everything gets filtered.

     For an INFJ, this dominant process is technically called Ni, but we've nicknamed it "Perspectives". Perspectives is a learning function (technically called a "perceiving function), and works by watching one's own mind form patterns. After years of use, eventually Perspectives begins to see the "pattern of the patterns" and understands that what is happening inside themselves cognitively is also happening for other people.

     INFPs, on the other hand, lead with a process called Fi, which we call "Authenticity". Authenticity is a decision-making function (technically a "judging function") and works by being deeply in touch with how one is emotionally impacted by events. Decisions are made by "checking in" to ensure that they are in alignment with one's values and identity. There is a saying that the more personal something is, the more universal it is. Over time, Authenticity understands that they aren't alone in their feelings. They are simply more aware of them than other types.

     Already, there's a major difference in how these two types see the world.

     INFJs are leading with an intuitive, learning process and INFPs are leading with a feeling, decision-making process.

     For many INFPs, it may be surprising to learn that they lead with a decision-making process, since decisions can be gruelling for this type. Although Authenticity is truly decision-making, it is the slowest of the four decision-making processes (the other three being Effectiveness [Te], Accuracy [Ti] and Harmony [Fe]). Authenticity needs to be able to register how something is feeling viscerally, and often an INFP won't know the right decision to make until they've made it. It's especially confusing when the Authenticity user can see a case for almost anything, so what's true for them has to be carefully parsed out.

     Each decision and its subsequent emotional impact is catalogued, however, and future decisions become easier and faster. In fact, being so in touch with the emotional fall-out of a decision is how Authenticity eventually creates conviction, knowing in one's "bones" the rightness of something.

     INFJs can also have trouble making decisions, but not for the same reason. Their decision-making process -- technically called Fe that we've nicknamed "Harmony" -- is faster than Authenticity, but secondary for them.

     That is, they lead with Perspectives and Harmony is an auxiliary process. Effort is required to develop the secondary process (that we call the "Co-Pilot") and so when an INFJ finds themselves indecisive, it's because they're spending too much time in their Driver of Perspectives and not enough in their Co-Pilot of Harmony.

     The result may look the same -- indecisiveness -- but the root is entirely different.

     For an INFP, because their decision-making process can take time, it can feel gruelling to be pressured to make a quick call. Each decision needs to be in alignment with the INFP's values and even a decision as simple as what salad to order can be a frustration if, say, their relationship with food has become part of how they define themselves.

     On the other hand, since INFJs are more removed from their decision-making process of Harmony, it's usually over time that they become frustrated with the inability to make a final call. They are less likely to agonise over smaller decisions because not every decision is a reflection of their identity.

(ii) Emotional Significance
     As mentioned, an INFJ's decision-making criteria comes from their auxiliary or Co-Pilot process Harmony. Harmony is technically called Fe, in contrast with INFP's Driver process of Fi (Authenticity).

     Which "attitude" (or direction) the process faces once again shifts focus in a significant way. Both Feeling functions are decision-making. That is, they are mental processes designed to help us evaluate information in order to come to a judgement. Any time you "weigh the pros and cons" of a decision, you're using a decision-making process, and what ends up standing out as important to you is based on which process you're using.

     We nicknamed Fe "Harmony" because we think it adequately describes the criteria this process is utilising. The Harmony person might ask themselves something like..."What get's everyone needs met?" "How do I create harmony both within interpersonal relationships and the context/environment?" In order to know the "right" choice, other people's emotions become the most interesting piece of information. They're ultimately the feedback mechanism needed to determine a decision was the right one, because it's their emotions that tell you if their needs are getting met and/or if they're experiencing any form of conflict.

     On the other hand, Fe is nicknamed "Authenticity" because it's about the individual's emotional experience. It's about checking in with one's own emotions to determine if an action is the "right" one.

Is Authenticity more selfish than Harmony?
     There is some confusion around whether or not Authenticity is "selfish" or "self-centred" in comparison to Harmony. While immature Authenticity can be quite self-indulgent, mature Authenticity is vital for a healthy society. Authenticity is where we experience integrity, the part of us that says it's conscionable to offend our own values. The only way to 1) know one's values and 2) stay true to them is to spend time deep-diving into one's own conscience and subjective emotional experience [I protest. Values are meant to be universal - selflessness and sacrifice - they are universally good, independent of emotional experiences]. On the other hand, Harmony when immature looks more like emotional manipulation and social bullying, while mature Harmony makes sure all of our needs are understood and taken care of.

     If offending others is more offending than offending yourself, you are more likely using Harmony. And if you're willing to be a total pariah in behalf of your convictions, you're more likely using Authenticity. However, some INFJs, accustomed to being misunderstood and feeling like an "outcast" will sometimes identify with the concept of being true to oneself over "society" and identify with this aspect of INFPs.

     But instead of seeing it as a variation of being true to oneself, it's more helpful to see it as "serving other's needs first in order to get your own needs met" (Harmony) vs "honouring one's own experience first in order to honour other's experience" (Authenticity).

(iii) "Absorbing" and "Mirroring"
     This may be the biggest confusion between the two types. It's definitely the source of endless internet battles for supremacy of "who's the most empathetic type." Both INFJs and INFPs have an almost magical ability to understand the emotional human experience. The way they go about it, though, is very different.

     I once heard a description for "empathy" as "Your pain in my heart." For an INFJ, this couldn't be more true. INFJs absorb other people's emotional energy, whether they want to or not. If it's powerful and there -- friend or foe, intimate or stranger -- your pain is in their heart. The combination of Perspectives (getting into other's heads) and Harmony (having other people's emotions on their radar all the time) seems to converge into this superpower (absorbing emotions), a gift I'd venture to say most INFJs would trade away if they could (Well, for a day...before they start missing their sixth sense).

     INFPs, on the other hand, are masters at understanding the emotions themselves. As mentioned before, sometimes Authenticity doesn't know the right decision until it's already been made, and to compensate for this INFPs become consummate role-players. They can manufacture an emotional experience in order to test out what it would feel like, giving them more content to go on at game time.

     Since Authenticity is their Diver process, this ability becomes unconscious competence for INFPs and they may not even register when they're doing it. This is why Authenticity Drivers (INFPs and ISFPs) are easily the greatest actors and performers of all the types. Putting on a new emotion can be as easy as swapping jackets. When in the presence of another person's strong emotion, it's not that the INFP is absorbing it, they're mirroring it. Since this is exceptionally easy for them to do, it's usually a surprise to discover that other people can't come close to this ability.

     The nuance of their ability to mirror another person's emotional experience can feel like absorbing since it's so spot on. But, remember -- this isn't another person's emotion in the INFP's heart. This is years and years of the INFP mapping emotions within themselves and finding the closest proximity to what the other person is experiencing.

     Again, the more personal an experience the more universal, and no one understands this as well as the INFP. "What is the exact feeling I'd be feeling if I were you?" is the Authenticity version of INFJ's "Your pain in my heart."

     If an INFP appears to be constantly self-referencing, it's because they are. They understand you based on understanding themselves. To self-reference is to enable more rewarding interpersonal experiences, though our culture can generate a societal distaste for self-referencing.

     Perhaps, the easiest way to understand the difference in these two styles (INFJ absorbing vs INFP mirroring) is their relationship to time.

     To absorb another's emotion, both the INFJ and the other person (who is emoting) have to be together in real time. This isn't post-processing emotional experience, it's an emotion hitting the INFJ due to energetic proximity.

     For an INFP, it's about finding the emotion the other is -- was -- or will be experiencing within themselves. The emotion can be bound through time via works of art, literature, journals and any/every other way we as people express our emotions [I would be good at understanding bullshit poems if I were an INFP? I know they are emotional and all, but I can't exactly pinpoint what it is I'm getting half the time.]

(iv) Being understood vs Being validated
     Both the INFJ and INFP personality types run into the problem of feeling misunderstood.

     For INFJs, the Perspectives process gives them an insight into other people that is unmatched, and it can be disconcerting to realise other people don't have the same superpower. The result is a lot of one-sided relationships. On top of that, the Perspectives process is itself quite mysterious to other people. Both INxJ types (INFJs and INTJs) learn to keep their speculations to themselves. "Just knowing" stuff feels like precognition to others and can make them uncomfortable.

     INFPs face feeling misunderstood because no one could possibly know them as well as they know themselves. The Authenticity process is a deep pool of nuanced self-awareness, and it's truly impossible to communicate all the variety within themselves to another person. If you peel back the layers, however, it's not that INFPs have a challenge in being fully misunderstood. If anyone else every actually "fully" understood them, that would actually be a bad sign [WHAT?] -- it would mean that the INFP had lost some of their individuality or that they're dangerously close to being too similar to other people.

     Authenticity uses "intent" as one of its primary calibrations for whether or not a decision is right, for both themselves and for others. Oftentimes, when an INFP gets sensitive or defensive, it's because they think their intent is being called into question. When INFPs feel marginalised, they can also feel others insinuating a bad move.

     When an INFP feels "misunderstood", it could be more accurately states that they feel marginalised, discounted and believe others are questioning their motives. The antidote to this isn't "understanding" them better. Most INFPs would say no one could ever truly understand them, anyway. The real antidote is validating their process of making decisions. As in: "I don't have to agree with you, I don't have to know why you believe or feel the way you do, but when I tell you that you have every right to feel the way you do, make decisions based on those feelings and I trust that you have positive intent." If you can sincerely communicate that to an INFP, they will love you forever.

     INFJs aren't nearly as invested in others believing they have good motive [Ah but if it effects good results, doesn't matter if you initially thought badly of me - is what I think]. They are far more likely to be tuned into the motives and motivations of others to give a lot of thought about whether the person believes the INFJ has a positive intent. Where an INFP can lose awareness of other people if they're really excited by an topic, INFJs can never lose awareness of other people [I mean, I do what I do to help others...if I lose track of them, what am I fighting for?]

     In fact, that's why INFJs generally need more alone time than INFPs (not always, but usually). The only real distance INFJs get from other people is when they're truly physically alone and this is generally used tor recharge their batteries for the next trip into the outer world [So if I refuse to leave the house, don't make me. I want to be alone.]

     INFJs are far less interested in validation and are more interested in protection. They don't need you to agree with them, they need to know you're not going to hurt them, even if the fear of hurt is deeply unconscious [I...I don't know. Is this reflected in my naturally suspicious personality?]

     There are some INFPs that have experienced trauma in the past and fear being hurt by others, but that's more a product of wounding than anything intrinsic. The most protected, well-treated INFJ on the planet is still going to have something inside them scanning for people who would be deliberately hurtful.

(v) Persuasion and Leading
     INFJs, using the Perspectives process, often solve problems and persuade others by offering alternative perspectives. In fact, they generally solve problems by shifting perspectives until the solution become clear. They offer these shifts to others as "a-ha" moments [Wow, I actually unconsciously do this. Advice from me often comes from me giving a different way of seeing the problem, like how the other party may see it, thus leading them to understanding what it is that is wrong (I don't know usually. The answer is within themselves.)]

     INFPs, using the Authenticity process, are more masters of emotional Aikido. Since they understand how emotions flow within the self, they can use this to redirect the emotional energy in another person, getting them to feel what they want them to feel [What? I don't get it.]

     Both are powerfully persuasive tactics and both types are represented in famous spiritual leaders. And while each can utilise the other's talent, it seems there's a strong preference for INFJs to bring "insight" and INFPs to bring "inspiration".

Elder Scrolls Music Break
(i) TES III: Morrowind (or Skyrim Dragonborn DLC)
1. Morrowind Theme (Call of Magic/Nerevar Rising)
Lore: Nerevarine is the legitimate reincarnation of the hero Indoril Nerevar as well as the player character and protagonist of Morrowind. The Daedric Prince, Azura, revered by the Dunmer (dark elves) proclaimed that Nerevar would be reincarnated to right the wrongs in Nirn (the mortal fold).


2. Morrowind OST/Skyrim DLC OST: Peaceful Waters


3. Morrowind OST/Skyrim DLC OST: The Road Most Travelled

4. Morrowind OST/Skyrim DLC OST: Silt Sunrise


5. Morrowind OST/Skyrim DLC OST: Blessing of Vivec
Lore: Vivec, Warrior-Poet deity of the Dunmer and "vi" in the Almsivi, was the Guardian God-King of the holy land of Vvardenfell, and ever-vigilant protector from the dark gods of the Red Mountain, the gate to hell. He honourably guided and protected the Dunmer for thousands of years until his loss of divinity and disappearance at the end of the Third Era, a sacrifice he not only accepted but helped to bring about. Following his disappearance and the collapse of the Tribunal Temple, he was renamed Saint Vivec by the New Temple and declared a member of the False Tribunal.


(ii) TES IV: Oblivion
1. Oblivion Theme: Reign of the Septims
Lore: The Septim Dynasty was founded by the legendary Talos, who took the Cyrodilic name of Tiber Septim and later established the Third Empire of Tamriel in 2E 897 after decades of conquest, thus marking the end of the Second Era and the advent of the Third Era. The dynasty fell in Oblivion, following the onset of the Oblivion Crisis in 3E 433 when Emperor Uriel Septim VII and his heirs were assassinated by the Mythic Dawn, a cult worshipping the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon. The last Septim heir, Martin Septim, was located, but sacrificed himself to repel the Daedra and seal Mundus off from Oblivion forever, marking the end of the Third Era.


2. Oblivion OST: Harvest Dawn


3. Oblivion OST: Wings of Kynareth
Lore: Kynareth, called Kyne by the Nords and Kin by the Kothringi, is a goddess of the Nine Divinces. She is the strongest of the Sky spirits and is the deity of the heavens, the winds, the elements and the unseen spirits of the air. Patron of sailors and travellers, Kynareth is invoked for auspicious stars at birth and for good fortune in daily life. Some say she is the first to agree to Lorkhan's plan to invent the mortal plane, and provides the space for its creation in the void.


4. Oblivion OST: Glory of Cyrodiil


5. Oblivion OST: Peace of Akatosh
Lore: Akatosh, known as Auri-El to the Aldmer and Bormahu (Father) to the draongs, is the chief deity of the Nine Divines. He is present in every Tamrielic religion except that of the Dunmer. His avatar is a dragon, and he is often called the Dragon God of Time. He is generally considered to be the first of the Gods to form in the Beginning Place; after his establishment, other spirits found the process of being easier and various pantheons of the world emerged. He embodies the qualities of endurance, invincibility and everlasting legitimacy while promoting the virtues of duty, service and obedience.


(iii) TES V: Skyrim
1. Skyrim Theme: Dragonborn
Dragonborn: A Dragonborn (or Dovahkiin) is a mortal blessed with Dragon Blood by Akatosh, the Father of Dragons and chief of the Divines. Those with the blessing have an extraordinary aptitude in the use of the thu'um, being able to absorb knowledge of shouts directly from the souls of slain dragons. This ability nreeds fear and hatred in dragons, as the removal of their souls severs their immortality and renders them beyond the reach fo any necromancy. The title is most often associated with the "Dragonborn Emperors" of Tamriel, who are in a divine covenant with Akatosh which maintains the barriers between Mundus and Oblivion (Oblivion Crisis of 3E 433 was triggered because the Dragonfires died out with the death of Uriel Septim, weakening the barriers for Mehrunes Dagon to invade Mundus).


2. Skyrim OST: Sovngarde
Lore: Sovngarde is the Nordic afterlife. Those who are valiant in life are rewarded with an eternity here in the Hall of Valor, where they eat, drink, drawl and sing. Sovngarde is a realm within Aetherius to which valiant Nords go upon death, with the exception of any Nords afflicted with lycanthropy. Werewolves do not go to Sovngarde upon their deaths as their souls belong to the Daedric Lord Hircine and reside within his realm in Oblivion and join the great hunt.


3. Skyrim OST: Dragonslayer (Battle Music vs Dragons)
Lore: Dragons or dov are a rarely-seen race of large reptilian beasts. They are rumoured to be from Akavir (which literally means Dragon Land) though there are ancient tales of dragons also coming from Atmora. As the immortal children of Akatosh, they are specially attuned to the flow of time and they feel an innate urge to dominate others that is difficult to overcome. In the mind of a dragon, being powerful and being right are the same, thus they make no distinction between speaking and fighting; battles between them are actually deadly verbal debates (e.g. Fire Breath is made of 3 words in the dragon language - Yol (Fire), Toor (Inferno) and Shul (Sun). They are just speaking to each other).


MBTI Stuff, like finally, right?
1. Idealists on Deviantart
ENFP
Mood: Silly
Watching: INTJs in their natural habitat: the lab! How fascinating!
Reading: MBTI safari guidebook
Listening to: whatever sounds there are I guess
Eating: Rainbows
Drinking: Rainbows
Playing: Chess with the INTJs! I won!

INFP
Mood: Inspired
Watching: TV shows that give me the feels
Reading: books that gives me the feels
Listening to: Birds singing their songs as they live their lives in this strange but beautiful world
Eating: Dragonfruit! I feel mystical.
Drinking: Honey, nature's finest
Playing: With my dog!

INFJ
Mood: Affected by the current atmosphere
Watching: Mystery shows
Reading: The Magic 8 Ball my friends gave to me as a joke when I told them I'm an INFJ
Listening to: Stories that people tell me
Eating: Mystery-flavoured candy (I'm curious what the most common flavour is, besides mystery)
Drinking: Mystery-flavoured soda, like I didn't even know these existed
Playing: Clue. I'm not psychic. I just really like mysteries.

ENFJ
Mood: Affected by the current atmosphere
Watching: The changes in energy of the crowd
Reading: People Magazine (my friends gave it to me as a joke because they claim I am good at reading "people")
Listening to: The white noise of conversations
Eating: Fortune cookies with my friends and comparing our fortunes
Drinking: Fruit Punch
Playing: Super Smash Bros with my friends...or bros...I guess

2. Because I'm Ready to Give Snarky Comments

(i) Tell them you're smitten by their mind.

     Why, thank you? Now, let's figure out whether I've smite you with my mind because a) you are too incompetent yourself, or b) you are actually intelligent enough to be interesting. I'll take a bet that it's a) because, really, no other types besides INTJ has ever interested me with their intelligence...and INTJs are very insensitive, so that undermines their intellectual attractiveness. Like I've said before, it's not a good idea to present an idea to an INFJ and expect her to act like she's never heard about it before...chances are, she either doesn't care or she has already considered it years ago. 

(ii) Skip the small talk, they're an ocean. Please leave the shore.

     Or, you could stay on the shore because I sure as hell did not allow you to tread into the ocean. By chances are, if you remain on the shore long enough, I'm either going to forcefully evacuate you or draw you into the ocean, so well, you can remain standing there.

(iii) If they say "I want to be alone", leave them alone.

     Yes, because if I want to be left alone, do not blame me if I decide to make dinner out of your corpse if you disturb me. I am very cranky and very quick to anger when I'm trying to have personal time and get disturbed.

(iv) If they say "I feel lonely", hug them.

      Bitch, do it. Just because I'm glaring at you as if I'm threatening to kill you doesn't mean I don't want a hug. I want a hug, give me a goddamn hug. I'm lonely. I want a hug. But I sure as hell won't say it out loud. Not on my goddamn life.

(v) When they tell you they don't want to go out because they're "sick", know that they're lying and let them know they don't have to.

     Thank you. Now, you can fuck off too...or...I could get a hug, please? And maybe...just stay here, you know...

(vi) Leave the party hand-in-hand when they get overwhelmed.

     Frigging just hold me, okay? I'm freaked out by the amount of noise and people inside.

(vii) Listen hard for the growl of their spirit so muted anyone could miss it.

     You mean which growl?

3. This Video Because I'm Lazy

     Holy shit, bro. It's disconcerting when you reveal so much about us at once. Shush.

English Songs I Actually Like #1: With Bonus K-Pop I Guess

     Okay, so while transferring one blog to another, I think I managed to mess up the HTML coding somewhere. I did learn HTML coding in Primary School...because Blogger required that kind of knowledge back then, but since I haven't used it in sometime, I'm left only with the bare minimum. I guess I would try to pick up coding again, but I'm not that interested in it anymore. The kind of random things I made myself learn as a kid, ignoring all homework and school work...it's incredible how I did not screw up my PSLE. In fact, my Primary School experience proved many times over that the more I study, the worse I score; the less I give a shit about the exam, the better I do.

     So, there were those posts on music that disappeared, not entirely, but chunks of the code got lost in the transfer. Instead of spending time trying to decipher codes and mending them, I might as well just repost the songs under a different title. Also, added features. I'll include the lyrics below each video because I don't want to use lyric videos all the time and it's a little stupid to have background music on my blog and actual music videos playing at the same time.

     Random little thing I have to mention. I probably hit my head real hard or something because I have been drinking this Chamomile Tea for the past 10 minutes or so, not realising that I did not fully boil the water and the taste hasn't evened itself out. Yeah, I'm an idiot.

     Also, most of these songs will be by Christina Perri but that won't be true for all posts under this title. Come on, I don't have that big of a storage for her songs. These just happen to be the ones that usually suit my mood well. Also, the lyrics I type may not correspond with the lyrics on the video because some people have shitty grammar and I will correct that.

5. One Night by Christina Perri

Lyrics:
Verse I
I feel the way you want me.
I see that you are lonely.
If you couldn't know, you'd leave with me.
It's more than curiosity.

And I've never longed for winter
Until your presence made me shiver.
I said that you'd be better if
You'd only come with me.

*Start of Chorus*
One night, I will be the moon
Hanging over you,
Spilling all over your body,
Covering all your wounds.

One night I will be the star
And follow where you are,
Somewhere in the deep of my love,
Filling your empty heart.

One night, one night, one night.
One night, one night, one night.
*End of Chorus*

Verse II
You've come so close to tasting,
Now my innocence is breaking.
Like a ocean in a perfect storm,
It makes me want you even more.

And I've never been so jealous.
I've never felt so helpless.
So out of breath and
Hungry for you.

*Chorus*

Bridge
Hurry, the sun is waking.
Darling don't leave me waiting.

*Chorus*

One night, one night, one night.
One night, one night, one night.

     Yeah well, I kind of understand the gist of the story reflected in this song, but it's not one of those relatable songs. Still, I have a certain fondness for this song because of the heavy but even beats, coupled with a relatively more soothing tune. Let's just put it this way. If you were to use the same lyrics and change the tune to one that is more flamboyant with less sentimental feel, it could probably be an explicit song that is clearly about a one night stand. But because of the tune prescribed to this song, the song may be about a one night stand, but there is indication that the one night stand created unwanted feelings of affection or love. Actually, on that subject, I have read a paper on the psychology of romance that stated that women are more likely to fall in love through sex because of a certain hormone our brains emit during the act. So maybe that's why the song starts with the guy pursuing the girl, but the girl ends up getting attached. Well...you asked for it...what can I say. I'm just generally disgusted by the idea of casual sex, it's stupid because it will harm you both physically and emotionally.

4. Try by Pink

Lyrics;
Ever wonder about what he's doing?
How it all turned to lies.
Sometimes I think that it's better
To never ask why.

*Start of Chorus*
Where there is desire,
There is gonna be a flame.
Where is a flame,
Someone's bound to get burned.
But just because it burns
Doesn't mean you're gonna die.

You gotta get up
And try and try and try.
You gotta get up
And try and try and try.
You gotta get up
And try and try and try.
*End of Chorus*

Funny how the heart can be deceiving,
More than just a couple times.
Why do we fall in love so easy?
Even when it's not right.

*Chorus*

Ever worry that it might be ruined?
Does it make you wanna cry?
When you're out there doing what you're doing,
Are you just getting by?

Tell me are you just getting by?

*Chorus*

You gotta get up
And try and try and try.
You gotta get up
And try and try and try.
You gotta get up
And try and try and try.
You gotta get up
And try and try and try.

You gotta get up
And try and try and try.
You gotta get up
And try and try and try.

     The chorus of this song should be my motto or something...except I'm not going to repeat the same phrase over and over like a maniac. Yes, I know, repetition has its intended purpose to reinforce and to emphasise, blahblahblah, but really, I got the message the first time. It's quite an inspirational song, good for people who are down. It's good in the sense that it is rather vague and doesn't hit too close to home. While songs that are specific can make themselves seem more relatable, they can also make someone feel more uncomfortable. Something vague like that that expresses an equally vague sense of understanding and encouragement is good enough for me. Also, it isn't too loud or anything, which is nice for my ears. I have certain expectations for songs after I've prescribed them their respective purposes. K-Pop is generally supposed to give me energy, while these sort of English songs are meant to comfort and calm.

3. Just Give Me A Reason by Pink ft. Nate Reuss

Lyrics:
Bold - Pink, Italics - Nate Reuss, Normal - Together

Right from the start,
You were a thief,
You stole my heart
And I, your willing victim.

I let you see the parts of me
That weren't all that pretty
And with every touch
You fixed them.

Now you've been talking in your sleep.
Things you never said to me.
Tell me that you've had enough
Of our love, our love.

Just give me a reason,
Just a little bit's enough.
Just a second we're not broken, just bent
And we can learn to love again.

It's in the stars.
It's been written in the scars on our hearts.
We're not broken, just bent
And we can learn to love again.

I'm sorry I don't understand
Where all of this is coming from.
I though that we were fine.
(Oh, we had everything.)

Your head is running wild again.
My dear, we still have everything
And it's all in your mind.
(Yeah, but this is happening.)

You've been having real bad dreams.
You used to lie so close to me.
That's nothing more than empty sheets
Between our love, our love.

Oh, our love, our love.

Just give me a reason,
Just a little bit's enough.
Just a second we're not broken, just bent
And we can learn to love again.

I never stopped.
You're still written in the scars on my heart.
You're not broken, just bent
And we can learn to love again.

Oh, tear ducts and rust.
I'll fix it for us.
We're collecting dust,
But our loves enough.

You're holding it in.
You're pouring a drink.
No, nothing is as bad as it seems.
We'll come clean.

Just give me a reason,
Just a little bit's enough.
Just a second we're not broken, just bent
And we can learn to love again.

It's in the stars.
It's been written in the scars on our hearts.
We're not broken, just bent
And we can learn to love again.

Just give me a reason,
Just a little bit's enough.
Just a second we're not broken, just bent
And we can learn to love again.

It's in the stars.
It's been written in the scars on our hearts.
We're not broken, just bent
And we can learn to love again.

Oh, we can learn to love again.
Oh, we can learn to love again.
Oh, that we're not broken, just bent
And we can learn to love again.

     I do love nice duets, especially if the duet is done seamlessly and beautifully. It's dull if they just alternate verses and then sing the chorus together. This duet is one of the better ones because there is a clear conversation between the two parties. I especially love the second verse because it's almost like a drama scene. You know the kind where the woman wakes up from a dream all accusatory of the guy cheating on her because she's extremely insecure like that. The guy tries to calm her down, but she's just mumbling by herself over there, as if everything he says is just making it worse. I really think the girl should calm down...it was just a dream. Just share it and get over it. Don't keep it to yourself because it will boil and spillover. The other good duet part was the bridge, which if anyone isn't familiar with song structures, is basically the verse that connects the chorus after the second verse with the ending. There is alternating, sure, but there is also a clear conversation, e.g. Girl: Oh, tear ducts and rust, Guy: I'll fix it for us. Yeah, I like this song and I'm a fan of practising pitch after all. It's kinda weird to be singing a duet by yourself though...on the bed...in the morning at 7. Yeah.

2. Distance by Christina Perri ft. Jason Mraz

Lyrics:
The sun is filling up the room
And I can hear you dreaming.
Do you feel the way I do
Right now?

I wish we would just give up
'Cause the best part is falling.
Call it anything but love

*Start of Chorus*
And I will make sure
To keep my distance.
Say "I love you"
When you're not listening.
How long can we keep this up, up, up?
*End of Chorus*

Please don't stand so close to me.
I'm having trouble breathing.
I'm afraid of what you'll see
Right now.

I give you everything I am.
All my broken heartbeats.
Until I know you'll understand.

*Chorus*

And I keep waiting
For you to take me.
You keep waiting
To save what we had.

*Chorus*

Make sure to keep my distance.
Say "I love you"
When you're not listening.
How long till we call this love, love, love?

     I think that the song would be better if it ended looping back into the first verse or lines, but that's just my opinion. You know, the way Taylor Swift's Love Story did with that line - "We were both young when I first saw you." which was repeated all the way at the end. This song seems to have the same potential to do that, but it's fine as it is. I wonder why every song seems like a rip off of stereotypical dramas, or is it the other way round? Two friends who are very clearly in love but reject the idea of it because they don't want to destroy what is already between them. Very typical drama story, not that I've even watched more than 3 drama series in my life. Dramas are boring...they have the same predictable storylines all the damn time. I can't understand why when every romantic experience is unique. I'm sure you can think of something besides a love triangle where someone is going to get amnesia at one point and then recover for marriage. Also, when I'm in a playful mood, the line "How long can we keep this up?" makes me think that a challenge is being issued. Well, I'm an INFJ, so I think I would win at this kind of challenges where you just clam up about something for an indefinite amount of time.

1. The Lonely by Christina Perri

Lyrics:
2 am, where do I begin?
Crying off my face again.
The silent sound of loneliness
Wants to follow me to bed.

I'm the ghost of a girl
That I wanted to be most.
I'm the shell of a girl
That I used know well.

*Start of Chorus*
Dancing slowly in an empty room.
Can the lonely take the place of you?
I sing myself a quiet lullaby.
Let you go and let the lonely in
To take my heart again.
*End of Chorus*

To afraid to go inside,
For the pain of one more loveless night.
For the loneliness will stay with me
And hold me till I fall asleep.

I'm the ghost of a girl
That I wanted to be most.
I'm the shell of a girl
That I used know well.

*Chorus*

Broken pieces of
A barely-breathing story
Where there once was love.
Now there's only me
And lonely.

*Chorus*

     I love this song, a lot. It expresses the feeling of solitude very well. The kind of hollow feeling it leaves you with, yet at the same time, it's your only companion. So while it destroys, in a very twisted way, it also heals. And loneliness often leads to depression. The more a person isolates himself/herself from society, the further his/her consciousness falls into a kind of darkness. It's not my attempt at poetic descriptions, because it's the only way I can actually describe the feeling. It is darkness because it's void, it's black and hollow. I think loneliness and depression happens in a cycle, isolation leads to depression and depression leads to even further isolation. It's like digging a cave deeper and deeper and deeper into yourself. It's not a hole, that's different. When you dig a hole, you fall in and it's sudden. For loneliness, you gradually walk yourself into the darkness that blinds and when you finally realise your mistake, you turn around and you can't see the exit or the road to the exit anymore. It's like a cave you venture into that collapses behind you. There's a certain beauty in solitude as well, thus the dance and the lullaby, though I would go for the latter. With loneliness and depression comes a sort of twisted calm that washes over you and keeps you company, very bad company, but it's company nonetheless. An entire year, I have felt that kind of loneliness and it's unpleasant, but there's little you can do. You can reach out, certainly, but there are few people who can truly pull you out. Most just make you retreat even further.

     Perhaps it's like drowning as well? The kind where your body slowly sinks to the bottom as air escapes your lungs and is replaced by water, thus reducing your body's natural buoyancy. It's quite depressing but I think drowning is a beautiful way to die because there's always the image of someone falling backwards into the darkness of the water and in the last moments, opens his/her eyes to see the sun filtering through the water. The sense of finality is much better than say...the collision with the ground that's probably going to leave a nasty pile of blood and meat behind. Yeah, this is getting too dark for 12 in the afternoon.

     Anyway, I don't think this picture expresses envy towards the people breathing, but almost sympathy. You can see everyone else breathing, but if you really are drowning, you know that soon you won't have to breathe anymore and any pain that comes along with staying alive will disappear. But in the moment of depression, the drowning feeling could come with sort of a jealousy of why everyone else is breathing but doesn't notice you drowning. Personally though, I'm glad they can't see me drowning because I don't want anyone to jump after me and possibly drown as well. Also, it's not envy I feel, but more of the fact that I've resigned that perhaps I don't deserve to breathe like everyone else. Maybe I was always meant to drown in my own pains and theirs, although I think the latter to be an honour. It's better to be drowning and perhaps helping direct those drowning with you back to the surface rather than being on the surface and being oblivious to those drowning.

K-Pop Distraction

     So to ensure that this post does not end on a bad note, because I'm not even in a bad mood, there's K-Pop. I like K-Pop for the beats and it's good for keeping me awake when studying. Of course there's my shallow perceptions that the guys are good-looking and my hormones are entertained...but that's a part of me I don't particularly like. Still, I'll entertain myself when needed.

Superman by Super Junior

Super Girl by Super Junior

Evanesce by Super Junior

Top 10 Pokemon Battle Music

      I was meaning to do a more serious post yesterday, but since I was "banned" from using the computer by an unexpected presence in the house, I couldn't find any time to do it. I was going to do it today, but my brain is in all sorts of mess right now, for no apparent reason. I didn't sleep late last night...well, not any later than I'm used to...but I woke up with a splitting headache. Probably from getting smacked on the head with a ball. Must have killed all the brain cells I have left too, which by any accounts, wasn't many.

     So instead of being all deep and complicated, I decided to do something a little more light-hearted...as an excuse to myself to not do work and procrastinate. I really hope that one day I'll get rid of that habit, but it's a trade-off for being stupidly efficient, I suppose. Not bragging, really, because I would rather waste away an afternoon on work than have absolutely no motivation to do it. Once again, my brain is using the "it's not really that useful" excuse and I must say, it's true. I could do much better than waste my time on that (pointless homework).

     I'll probably have many of these top 10s every time I want to write on my blog (aka, avoid studying and not play so blatantly). I really want to go research and write more about INFJ, now that I've pulled myself out of the misconceptions about J-P. Apparently the usual stereotype still works for Extroverts, since their dominant functions correspond with the stereotype. It doesn't work for any of the Introverts however, and as much as I like to mention how my E-I differentiation is just 4-6%, I'm not going to dwell on that. INFJ seems so much more appropriate now that it answers:
1. Why I'm INFP and supposedly good at poetry, but I can't understand a word of it.
2. Why I have a fellow INFP...acquaintance, who has beliefs that I find so extremely selfish. It's not the selfish part that bothers me, it's more of the fact that I can't understand how we are supposed to be both INFP, but disagree on the most fundamental of things that two people of the same MBTI should agree on. No, it's not even disagreement. I can't even understand him. I would think that if I'm really an INFP, I would at least be able to comprehend his motivations.

     It's rather difficult though, given how many people have the same misconceptions about how J-P works. Most people, excluding experts of course, are inclined to believe that INFJ is more structured and organised while INFP is laid-back when it's quite the opposite. Hey, but INFJ does get a better reputation, even when you take out the Judging stereotype. I already did a very, very long post on the INFP vs INFJ issue, so I'm not going to go through the whole thing again. The main thing to note is that whether a person is decisive is not related to J-P, but rather, whether their dominant function is N-S (perceiving functions) or F-T (decision-making functions).

Yes, I would very much rather be a counsellor than a hippie. It's true though, since INFP seek to find harmony within themselves more, rather than to find harmony within their tight group of friends (tight group = introversion). Also, INFP senses feelings through art and music while INFJ senses feelings through physical proximity.

      I went off the tangent, again. Anyway, I'll do Naruto Epic music, Sad music, Bleach Music, etc etc in the future, but today, it's Pokemon. Since I'm not that in-tune with musical terms, I'll try my best to explain my preferences, but I'll probably still sound like an idiot.

#10. ORAS/RSE Regi Trio Music

     The reason why this music is this low on the list is partially due to my dislike of this trio, but to a greater extent, the absolute repetitiveness of a quite monotonous tune. The music starts off with quite an epic feeling, with the drums that were so characteristic of RSE (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald) music. However, though the generally deep-pitch of the music and the steady rhythm of drums creates quite an epic atmosphere, it gets horribly boring immediately after the 1st minute. Considering that you'll probably be sitting there for up to 20 minutes per Regi, you'll get bored real stone. And what's the hype about the Regis anyway? They are trolls or ogres, I get it, but they just look like 3 hunks of rock, ice and steel!

#9. DPPt Lake Trio Music

       The video says "Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire", I'm quite aware, but they did not remix the music for the new games, so it's still DPPt (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum). This is the kind of choice I have to make that makes me want to kick myself in the face. It's low on the list, yes, but this music deserves to be on the list. The build-up to the music is great, the resonance of a single "wailing" instrument in alternating channels (right and left ear) going in crescendo (I can only use piano terms) creates a kind of anticipation. The music that follows after creates an ominous atmosphere, with the background tune evoking a feeling of imminent danger. What makes this music so low on the list is the Lake Trio themselves. I don't dislike these three pixies, but with how adorable they look, isn't the music a little weird? "A little" being an understatement too. You would expect Giratina to pop out, or Darkrai, but you get three cute little pixie things.

#8. ORAS/RSE Team Magma/Aqua Boss Music

      Although the first few seconds are a little anticlimactic, given that these two villains tend to appear and give epic speeches before their fights, the music builds up after the 25 second mark and begin to sound much better. Generally, I think that this version of the battle theme is a great remix of the old one, due to the inclusion of many appropriate background tunes and epic instruments. This music symbolic of the generation as well, not only because it's the final boss theme for the respective villain organisations, but because it was the music that best exemplified the use of drums in the RSE games. Why is it so low on the list though? Well, let's just say I played Omega Ruby (for Mega Mawile, Zangoose and basically all the old Ruby exclusives) and Maxie was a joke. On my first playthrough, I was using Gyarados as my Water type and the second time, it was Azumarill. I barely got to see 5 seconds of Maxie's Mega Camerupt before it got its asshole ripped apart by a Waterfall (Yea, Huge Power Adamant Max Attack Azumarill Overkill). Still, the nostalgia factor kept it above the other two.

#7. BW Final N Battle Music

     I don't exactly love the music for the N fight and it doesn't exactly suit the battle either, but the only reason it's here is for respect towards the character. In my opinion, N is the character in the series with the most character depth. He is a Pokemon trainer who is "son" to Ghetsis and from a young age, only interacted with Pokemon. Thus, he is very awkward with humans, but has developed an ability to read the emotions and minds of every Pokemon he meets. Depending on the game you play, N fights on the side of Team Plasma, but is a guy with good intentions. He either seeks the truth of the world or its ideals, again depending on the game. He is the Hero of Legend who is the partner of Reshiram/Zekrom and at the end of the game, after meeting your character, he realises the world can only exist when opposing ideals coexist, not when they try to wipe each other out. He leaves you with the most inspirational speech in any Pokemon game and flies away on his Reshiram/Zekrom.


#6. BW2 Ghetsis Music

      Starting from here are music that I have absolutely no complaints about. They are just lower than others because the others are better, not because they themselves have any flaws. For the sake of people who never played BW (Black, White) or BW2, Ghetsis is the main villain in both games. In the first game, he made use of N, a Pokemon trainer who grew up with Pokemon and can read their emotions, to rally support for his plan to "liberate" Pokemon. His plans, however, was to rid the world of people who owned Pokemon while keeping his own so he could overpower everyone and take over the world. Team Plasma, in both games, was under his command and was, by far, the best villain organisation so far (kill me please Genwunners, admit it, Team Plasma is better than Team Rocket). Ghetsis is an unrepentant and thoroughly evil character, which is one of my favourite kinds of villain (second only to the villain with a dark past, aka N). This theme suits him incredibly well, with the unusually (for a Pokemon game) dark tune and rhythm. The constant chanting in the background, fun fact, is repeated the word "Geechisu", which is Ghetsis's Japanese name. The battle against him is tough, unforgiving and certainly worthy of such music. I mean, look at his team!

#5. BW2 Rival Hugh Music

      Hugh is undoubtedly my favourite one of the rival characters in Pokemon. His music is as unique as he is and at the same time, the combination of everything good about the previous rivals. He is the only rival that I emotionally cared about basically. He was someone you could empathise with and isn't just an asshole who wanted to best you at everything. He challenges you at every turn, but even when he gets defeated, he still congratulates you on it. He has Blue's competitive spirit, Silver's anger, May's friendliness, Barry's impatience and Cheren's helpfulness. I know many people will disagree with me and while Silver and Blue are my favourite rivals in the Manga, in the games at least, Hugh is the rival with the most depth. Silver's past just isn't that fleshed out in the games.

#4. DPPt Champion Cynthia Music

      Just as a proof of how much love this music has gathered, this piece was actually remixed for the most recent Smash games for the Pokemon stages. Cynthia is my favourite champion in all the games. She is the one with the most competent team and is constantly helpful throughout your journey. She is also revealed as a fellow Pokedex holder, who started on her journey way before you, creating the feeling that she's your older sister. She constantly offers her assistance throughout the journey, if only to point you towards the right direction. Her design is incredibly cool as well, and her character design is meant to take after one of her Pokemon's - Lucario. I mean, look at her team, if you used her team laddering on Pokemon Showdown, I reckon you could get quite far too.

#3. DPPt Giratina Music

      Giratina is the Pokemon equivalent of Hades, or whatever God of the Underworld. Giratina lives in the world parallel to ours, also called the Distortion World. The Distortion World is what happens to the world without Palkia and Dialga, without control of Time and Space. Everything is in chaos and it's only recognisable inhabitant is Giratina. It is a member of the creation trio, although his position may be swapped for Arceus, the God of Pokemon. He is said to be made of pure antimatter. This music suits Giratina superbly well. The very tune is chaotic and confusing at the start, with a sense of foreboding following it and then urgent danger. When this music plays in the Distortion World, you are acutely aware that you should not be there and you are intruding into a world that you don't belong in.

#2. ORAS/RSE Rayquaza Music

      Rayquaza's music fits his status as the Lord of the Skies. Rayquaza is my favourite legendary, not only because it's a glass canon, like my other favourites, but because of how it is characterised in games. In Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Red and Blue, Rayquaza is the final boss of the game. He is an aloof, majestic and noble creature, living high above the clouds in Sky Tower, a dungeon only accessible via a powerful teleportation gem. Your motive in meeting him is to destroy the gigantic meteorite heading towards the Pokemon world, by pleading the great Lord himself to do it. Rayquaza starts off the fight with a quote I remember too well - "I am a being of the sky and you are but denizens of the ground. To which there is a world destined as their own!...Let there be no mercy for those who defy the laws of nature!" In ORAS, Rayquaza and his Mega form, are part of the Zinnia episode in which he is also to destroy a meteorite heading towards the earth. Rayquaza's music starts off strong, reflecting the both the grandeur and strength of the Pokemon known as the Lord of the Skies.

#1. ORAS Zinnia Final Battle Music

      You finished the game and you thought Steven and his frigging Mega Metagross is hard, but oh, you haven't seen all ORAS has to offer yet. In the Special Zinnia episode, you meet a strange girl named Zinnia, who had been tracking you as part of the rival theme. She reveals herself as a Draconid woman, a tribe of Dragon trainers who have been protecting Hoenn for a long time. They had foreseen the falling of the meteorite and Zinnia's goal is to stop it, by collecting all the Mega Stones. When the scientists at Mossdeep created a machine for sending the meteorite into another world, Zinnia stops them, then reminding the main character that if the meteorite was send into another world, wouldn't that other world be destroyed, along with everyone that lived in it? She then brings the character to the top of Sky Pillar, where the legend of the Hoenn trio was inscribed and summon Rayquaza. However, the Mega Stones she collected were not enough to Mega evolve Rayquaza, but was finally successful when the small meteorite piece you were carrying throughout your whole journey reacted to Rayquaza. Seeing as Rayquaza has chosen you as its partner, she lets you take over her role. After you defeat Deoxys, which was disguised as the meteorite, you descend back to earth and finds that Zinnia is gone. The Whismur she left behind in her grandmother's care brings you a letter that says probably the most memorable line in the games, "I was finally able to bring everything to an end. I thank you for that. I think I'll spend some time now trying to find out if it's also possible to forge a new beginning for something once lost. Until we meet again."

      Let's also not forget how Zinnia has Mega Salamence, the Pokemon immediately banned to Ubers after ORAS was officially released.